WATSONVILLE—A handful of beach cleanups will take place this Thursday, the day after the Fourth of July, across Santa Cruz County.
Fireworks—both legal and illegal—tend to end up littered on the county’s beaches year after year. Most fireworks, including sparklers, are not biodegradable. Many will still contain gunpowder long after they’ve been shot off.
Environmental organization Save our Shores announced on their website that three official cleanups will take place this year, organized with help from other groups.
Watsonville is planning a cleanup at Palm Beach State Park, 2660 Beach Road, from 9—11 a.m.
Rachel Kippen, Environmental Projects Coordinator for the City of Watsonville’s Public Works Department, is asking for volunteers. She expects a small turnout but hopes it will increase.
“[We] continue to educate our residents and visitors about the illegality of using fireworks on our beaches,” she said. “I hope this year is less trashed than last.”
Volunteers are encouraged to dress in layers, wear sunscreen and hats, and drink plenty of water. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To save time, volunteers can sign an online waiver ahead of time at saveourshores.org/waiver.
Cleanups are also planned at Cowelll/Main Beach and at Sunny Cove in Santa Cruz. Information on each location is available at saveourshores.org/event.
